Mexicans: Time to stop negativity
Reuters - Friday 25 June 2010, 09:52
JOHANNESBURG, June 25 (Reuters) - The time has come to end
the pessimism holding Mexican football back, said two of the
team's most experienced players ahead of their last 16 clash
with Argentina on Sunday.
"Unfortunately sometimes we don't have the credibility that
other countries get. But we'll keep fighting to give some joy to
all of Mexico," defensive stalwart Rafael Marquez told a news
conference on Friday.
"We're trying to change this mentality to be the best. We
have to think like this otherwise we'll remain the same," added
the defender, who is set to retire from international football after the World Cup.
The Latin Americans possess fervent support and have always
had talented players. Bu they have only twice reached the World
Cup quarter-finals, in 1970 and 1986 when they were hosts.
Javier Aguirre's men could again fall at their traditional
stumbling block, the first knockout round where they have exited
at the past four tournaments.
Goalkeeper Oscar Perez said the negative reviews of the team
could work to their advantage.
"Hopefully we'll have enough confidence to use this
pessimism to give us a good feeling. It can help," said the
37-year-old.
"We have to change this pessimism, it's not healthy, but
everyone has their opinion," he added.